It is now the second week of the spring semester here in Taiwan. So far I am enjoying it much more than last week. It was a little bit more difficult getting back to teaching than I anticipated that it would be. I think I’m over the hump now, and classes are going well.
This morning I taught 5 classes before noon, which is normal for me on Tuesdays. Starting this semester though, my first class is a story time with the lower grades (grades 1-4, 2 classes per grade, 1 class each week). Today I had 1st grade, it was a blast. After reading through a story book twice, I played a game with the kids for the last twenty minutes of class. The students loved it, and I had a great time myself. Working with these kids is one of the best things around.
Throughout the afternoon I was able to take it easy back at the dorm. It’s nice to have a relaxed afternoon once in a while. I did get the dishes done too….
For dinner Mai made lasagna, the first time I’ve had it since leaving home almost 8 months ago. It was really good, (I had thirds).
Tomorrow I have Chinese lessons in the afternoon, then a trip to Jiji with my team to celebrate the lantern festival.
Friday after school I’m heading to Hualien with a couple other guys to visit one of the team members out there.
As you pray for us, please remember the Ying Pan and Jiji teams in this coming month. We have back to back teacher conferences next month (March 19th and 26th), and they are always challenging to prepare for. Christina has been doing a wonderful job of getting a schedule outlined for us, and now we will be moving on to the session preparing.
Please pray for endurance and health for each of us as well. Several of my team mates have been sick recently, and it is really hard to teach when you don’t feel well.
I think that’s about it…
From Nantou,
Chase Hiebsch
